The Context: I was asked to lead two seminars, one each evening after the exhibits were closed for those participating in the show itself. On both evenings, there were SRO (standing-room–only) crowds lining the walls ...

For the past ten years I’ve been using Lloyd Walker’s record player—with air-bearing linear-tracking tonearm, massive air-bearing platter, and air-suspension feet—as my reference. Other excellent ’tables have come and gone; only the Walker has stayed. ...

Technology Preview: NAD M2 Direct Digital Amplifier Is This The Future of Audio Amplification? Robert Harley Note: The full review of the M2, including a detailed description of its sound quality, will appear in the ...

The TAS Golden Ear Club recently held its first major event for members, an editors’ briefing and reception at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2009. The event took place before a standing room only group ...

After many none-too-sutble hints to colleagues Harley and Valin and a few well placed words to Magico marketing guy Irv Gross, I’ve finally received a pair of Magico’s for review–the 2.5-way V2, a floorstander. They ...

In Issue 196 I reviewed the Wireworld Platinum Eclipse interconnect, the company’s latest flagship wire. I was impressed. In a nutshell, this is what I had to say about the Eclipse interconnect: “There’s no shortage ...

Best Sound The TAD Reference One loudspeaker in the Kimber/WBT demo room (with Bel Canto’s DAC3.5, the CD2 player transport, Virtual Battery Supply, Ref 500M monoblocks and all WBT terminated Kimber Kable) produced effortless orchestral ...

Best Sound The room of The Lotus Group, featuring the new Granada loudspeaker, bewitched me with its complete sense of ease and “un-hi-fi” sound. Other great sounds included the revolutionary Vandersteen Model 7, the Focal ...

This press release crossed my desk. I've heard a 7.1-channel Meridian system playing high-res DVD-A (and film soundtracks) and the experience is not to be missed. Meridian and Audio High Partner For Evening of Excellence ...

My beat at the sixth annual Rocky Mountain Audio Fest was upper-end preamplifiers and power amplifiers. This show started out as a showcase for ultra-expensive exotic gear, but as it shifted toward the mainstream, the ...

Here are a few odds 'n ends from the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest I’ve never had the inclination to perform A/B listening tests on binding posts, but a demo by WBT opened my eyes to ...

The most unusual product I saw at the show was a near-field listening chair from a new company called i-Fi. The chair incorporates small minimonitors mounted on the chair, electronics to drive them, a subwoofer, ...

Greatest Bargain at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest Frank Van Alstine has been making super-affordable high-performance gear for decades, but he might have outdone himself with the UltraValve, a 30Wpc stereo all-tube amplifier for just $1695. ...

In the large speaker ranks the name Nola needs little introduction. Open baffle designs like its Baby Grand always attract a great deal of interest. Music is reproduced on such a transparent and impactful scale ...

Friday mornings at Rocky Mountain tend to be the quietest as I begin my rounds, but I hit pay dirt right out of the chute. Norwegian electronics maker Hegel made quite a strong first impression ...